Linda Mayer

”The southern stretch of the San Andreas fault has had a major temblor about every 137 years, according to new research. The latest looks to be overdue.” LA TIMES

The news today is full of fires, floods, and earthquakes. It seems that everywhere you look signs are pointing to the average citizen being prepared and ready to take care of themselves in the event of a large disaster. With that being said, I will give you some information today about earthquake safety.

Most of you will be aware of the swarm of earthquakes hitting the Pacific Region. Below is a map from Cal Tech for the last week indicating the enormous amount of seismic activity in our area.

The swarm of earthquakes MAY indicate a larger BIG ONE to come. I, for one, want to be ready to take care of my family, and if possible some of the neighbors who won't be. For that to happen, I must be "RED CROSS READY"! Here is the link to the Red Cross Preparedness sheet on earthquakes.


I suggest you read it and plan ahead... I know my family will be!

For earthquake information from Cal Tech, please click on this link.

Gotta love our fire dpeartments!

The kids went back to school yesterday with a big bang! Two weeks before Labor Day, and it's already that time. But that's okay, because Bonita Unified School District knows what they are doing.

You can tell from their district website http://www.bonita.k12.ca.us/ that they have nothing to hide. With Academic Performance Index topping out at 828 out of 1000, they are pretty good at deciding what the kids need to accomplish their goals - a fantastic education! They link to The California Exit Exam website and the STAR testing website where you can view their performance as well.

So, if you are thinking of moving here, but have had second thoughts due to schools for your kids, you can see that there's absolutely nothing to worry about.. the schools and teachers ROCK!

Okay, so I wrote a comment before on the lack of current foreclosures being released into the market. A gentleman from Texas asked if I have any proof. Here you go:

In the zip code 91739 which is Rancho Cucamonga, CA, there are 641 foreclosed homes from July. Not one of those homes is currently on the market, I checked. (Stats from our Realist Tax in the MLS.)

Why is this happening you ask? Well the short answer is that no one can know for sure. There are speculations as to why, starting with the $8,000 tax credit for 1st time homebuyers... and time will tell with this one. The speculation is that the government is quickly running out of money for all of these programs and that's part of the
reason. If all the thousands of foreclosed homes go on the market around Dec 1st or after, that will definitely be a tell-all. But, again, nobody knows for sure.

What does that mean to me, the homebuyer, you ask? Patience is a virtue at this point. Most homes currently on the market have between 20-30 offers on them, and the chances of you being the top offer is slim to
none. I had a client who lost a home listed at $160,000 which, after 54 offers, sold for $245,000 before the appraisal. Never would I suggest to a client that they offer so much over the asking price, that would not be upholding my duty to my client!

The good news is: those homes have to be sold at some point soon. So if you are looking, be a little patient. Your Realtor probably has a good handle on the current market. They are probably diligently keeping track of new homes that may fit what you want and relaying that information to you in a timely manner. If not, please don't hesitate to call me at (626) 824-8927 for help or to answer any questions!

Got Pests? Got Tree Fungus? Look no further, Western Pest Control Specialists, Inc. is here to save the day!

Located in the gorgeous town of Glendora, California (yes, I was born there!), this company evolved from the Western Arborists which was founded in 1963. This company was then expanded in 2003 when it began to do pest control as well with one of the owners having over 23 years experience in this field.

When you call Western Pest control Specialists (http://www.yellowpages.com/name/Glendora-CA/western-pest-control), you will speak directly with Sharon Juliussen, the President and Ceo. She says that superior personal customer service is of the utmost importance to the company. That's why she always handles her clients personally.

Most of their clients have been with the company for over 15 years with some of their high profile clients being George Clooney, Warner Brothers Studios, Tom Sellick and the late Michael Landon. They also have contracts with various golf courses as well as smaller single family homes.

Their boundaries are East to Claremont, West to Hollywood, South to Long Beach and north all along the foothills.

So, whenever you have the destructive gopher, wherever there are pesky pests, whenever you need to save your tree, call Western Pest Control Specialists, Inc.! They'll be there!